As the UNESCO Chair at Queen’s University, School of SSESW academic Joanne Hughes has accepted an invitation to provide expert support to a UK delegation at UNESCO. The delegation is contributing to the intergovernmental special committee meeting on the revised 1974 Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Co-operation and Peace and Education relating to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Joanne is a globally recognised expert in education in divided societies and inter-group relations. She is joined in leading this important international input by SSESW colleague James Nelson (Education) who specialises in teacher education and the interface between religion and education. James will represent the SSESW team during the intergovernmental negotiations in Paris on 30 May-2 June.

The revision of the Recommendation aims to revive and update the global consensus around the role of education in shaping a more just, sustainable, healthy and peaceful future for all learners.